College president, wife honored at fundraiser

CULVER CITY — West Los Angeles College President James M. Limbaugh and his wife Trish, were honored at a fundraising event for Shoes for the Homeless March 23 at the Wende Museum of the Cold War.

The pair were recognized for their leadership in launching a campus wardrobe which provides free gently used and new professional attire to college students to help them put their best feet forward in interviews and on the job.

“West Wardrobe and our food pantry are efforts to expand wraparound services so that students have less to worry about outside the classroom that can get in the way of succeeding inside the classroom,” Limbaughsaid.

Shoes for the Homeless began its association with the college when the charity needed a new location for its large shoe storage container and Limbaugh said the college would find a space, said Ira Diamond, the charity’s founder. Shoes for the Homeless has also provided professional footwear for the new wardrobe.

“We love interacting with West Wardrobe,” Diamond said. “They’re a fantastic recipient organization. [Trish Limbaugh] has tremendous enthusiasm and passion for helping the homeless and those in need. Her enthusiasm is infectious.”

Thanks to the talents of the college’s Plant Facilities staff; volunteers and donations from faculty and staff, the Renew Church, the Culver City Exchange Club, the community as well as Shoes for the Homeless; a college space was transformed into a small boutique with attractive donated chrome display racks and even a play nook to occupy kids while their parents “shop.”

An estimated 20 percent of the campus student body struggles with home insecurity. Many more are low-income.

“For some students,” Trish Limbaugh said, “West Wardrobe gives them their first consumer experience. … Something they see every day but don’t usually get to do — shop.”

The Wardrobe was right on time for the latest graduates from the Year Up program at West L.A. College. Year Up is a national program that provides young adults with a 12-month experience that includes intensive professional mentoring, college courses, hands-on computer and business skills training, and paid internships in Fortune 500 companies.

Upon graduating, many students had invitations to interview and offers for long-term positions. A shopping spree at the Wardrobe will help ensure that their appearance will be as polished as their newly acquired skills.

From the podium, Diamond recalled a recent interaction while visiting the Wardrobe.

“I met a young woman who told me she would be graduating from West L.A. College this year,” Diamond said. “She needed a job but had no shoes. Trish worked with her and found her a perfect pair. … Last I heard, she has a job at Bank of America.”

When Trish Limbaugh took the stage, she added that same young woman is also entertaining a job offer from another company as well.

“The whole experience has been so moving,” Trish Limbaugh said. “From the many donations we’ve received from college employees and the community to the hundreds of students we’ve outfitted in just two months.”

The Wardrobe and the Pantry plan to establish a regular schedule of clothes and food drive events. Until then, clothing, food and cash donations are welcome throughout the spring and can be made by dropping off items at the campus.

Related Articles

Quiara Wallace Los Angeles “I’m homeless and going through it right now. There needs to be more funding, support and help.” Jeremiah Lyles Los Angeles “No, more homeless are appearing. My church and I regularly service the homeless in Skid Row. Homeless are appearing more in Hollywood, too.” Jabari Spencer Los Angeles “Not that I’ve Read More…

COMPTON — Weekends were once happy times for David Coborubio Jr. and his family. Their joy was turned to sadness when FBI agents shot and killed Coborubio in late August when they stormed into his mother’s home with flash bang grenades, looking for “parolee at large” Paul Edmund White. Feb. 25 marked the six-month anniversary Read More…

The Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service, better known as The CHIPS, honored Los Angeles Deputy Police Chief Phil Tingirides and his wife, Police Lt. Emada Tingirides, at the annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Presentation at the Beverly Hills Hotel on May 11. The Tingirideses received the Philanthropic Service Award for their efforts in the formation Read More…